Is Fullerton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fullerton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 29/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 21% lower. Fullerton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fullerton has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 12.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fullerton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fullerton, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fullerton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,481.5 | 3,125.4 | -643.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 457.4 | 800.0 | -342.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 8.4 | -7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 32.6 | 64.3 | -31.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 90.6 | 181.6 | -91.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 331.3 | 545.3 | -214.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,024.0 | 2,325.3 | -301.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.0 | 317.2 | +9.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,486.9 | 1,582.1 | -95.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 210.2 | 426.0 | -215.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fullerton or Phoenix safer?
Fullerton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,481 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fullerton has a violent crime rate of 457.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Fullerton has lower violent crime.
About Fullerton, CA
Fullerton, a city in northern Orange County, is home to California State University, Fullerton. It developed around citrus groves and now boasts a diverse population with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 137,942, Fullerton has a total crime rate of 2,481.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.